code of conduct for the welfare of live seafood … · code of conduct for the welfare of live...
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Page 2
CONTENTS
1.0 MISSION STATEMENT
2.0 OBJECTIVES
3.0 NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE CODE
4.0 GENERAL PRINCIPLES
5.0 TRANSPORTING LIVE SEAFOOD
6.0 STORAGE AND DISPLAY
6.1 Storage and Display of Live Seafood - OUT OF WATER 6.2 Storage and Display of Live Seafood – IN WATER
7.0 HUMANE KILLING OF LIVE SEAFOOD.
7.1 Live Finfish
7.2 Crustaceans
7.3 Molluscs
7.4 Cephalopods
8.0 RECORD KEEPING
9.0 DEALING WITH UNHEALTHY STOCK
9.1 Responses to unhealthy stock 9.2 Common indicator of unhealthy
10.0 DISPOSAL OF ANIMALS AND PACKAGING MATERIALS
10.1 Disposal of Animals that are Unfit for Human Consumption 10.2 Disposal of Effluent
10.3 Disposal of Packaging Material
11.0 REFERENCES
12.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
13.0 APPENDIX
Appendix 1. REQUIREMENTS FOR HOLDING SYSTEMS
Appendix 2. SEDATION OF LIVES SEAFOOD
Appendix 3. MAKING AN ICE SLURRY
Appendix 4. BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION SYSTEMS
Appendix 5. LEGISLATION
Appendix 6. DEFINITIONS
Appendix 7. LIVE SEAFOOD HOLDING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE RECORD
Appendix 8. REQUIREMENTS FOR LIVE SEAFOOD
Page 3
CODE OF CONDUCT
1.0 MISSION STATEMENT
That no live seafood animals are subjected to undue stress or discomfort during
transport, handling, storage or display and that the quality of all live seafood is
maximised through good handling practices.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
The Code has the following objectives:
2.1 Establish a clear set of guidelines for the welfare of live seafood as a
benchmark against which the practices of businesses that trade in live
seafood can be judged.
2.2 Provide a standard of conduct for those individuals and businesses that trade
in live seafood.
2.3 Provide consumers with an assurance that when they purchase live seafood it
has been handled in a manner that is both humane, and maximises the
quality and food safety of the product.
2.4 Confirm to consumers and the general public that the seafood industry is
acting in a humane and socially responsible manner.
3.0 NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE CODE
The Code is applicable to all businesses that transport, store, display and sell live
seafood in NSW. The Code is intended to address welfare and quality issues relating
to live seafood from the farm gate or wharf to the consumer. This includes live
seafood transporters, retailers, wholesalers and restaurants. The Code is not
intended to apply to fishing or aquaculture operations although sections of the Code
may be relevant.
By meeting the requirements set out in the Code businesses will be able to
demonstrate their commitment to not only quality but also the humane treatment of
animals. Adherence to the Code may also provide businesses with a defense against
claims (from the public) of inappropriate practices.
4.0 GENERAL PRINCIPLES
All persons dealing with live seafood products must ensure that live seafood is not
subjected to undue stress or discomfort, with particular care taken during transport,
storage, display and killing.
Stress not only affects the well-being of live seafood but also ultimately diminishes
the quality of the product.
Businesses that trade in live seafood must:
� Comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing their live seafood
operations. Refer to Appendix 5.
� Take all reasonable measures to minimise distress or discomfort of live seafood.
� Handle all live seafood in a manner that will maximise the health, quality and
safety of the product.
Page 4
� Only purchase live seafood from reputable suppliers.
� Inform purchasers of live seafood of their obligation under the Code.
All live seafood offered for sale must:
� Be cared for in a humane and hygienic manner.
� Be safe for human consumption.
� Be healthy and robust.
� Comply with government regulations.
The five pillars for effectively managing the storage of live seafood are:
� Visual inspection � Monitoring ammonia
� Monitoring temperature
� Monitoring pH � Record keeping. Refer to Section 8 and Appendix 7.
5. TRANSPORTING LIVE SEAFOOD
Live seafood transporters must ensure:
� Transportation is undertaken in a manner that minimises stress (Sedation by
cooling or anisitising will assist in minimising stress).
� Only compatible species are mixed. Refer to Appendix 8.
� Holding systems are of a size to prevent physical damage to animals.
� Finfish are provided with adequate filtration and aeration. This will depend on the
species and stocking density.
� Buyers are notified of any significant delays experienced during transporting that
may impact on the health and quality of the product. � Transport records are kept including water temperature, time of collection and
delivery, stock density and stock condition.
6. STORAGE AND DISPLAY
Live seafood may be stored in or out of water depending on the species and
circumstances involved.
Details of the appropriate method of storage and display are provided in Appendix 8.
Display tanks that contain live seafood, which is not intended for sale, must meet the
requirements set out in the Code.
6.1 Storing and Display of Live Seafood - OUT OF WATER
All live seafood stored or displayed out of water must be:
� Cared for by people who have the appropriate skills and knowledge to care for
the species concerned.
� Maintained in a cool and moist environment.
� Kept out of bright light whenever possible.
� Kept away from unnecessary disturbance.
� Cooled to the appropriate temperature for the particular species but not allowed
to come into direct contact with ice or any frozen surface. The appropriate
temperature will depend on the particular species, refer to Appendix 8.
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6.2 Storage and Display of Live Seafood – IN WATER
Maintenance of biological filter systems adequate for the intended purpose is the
basis of good management of water based holding systems.
All live seafood held in water must be:
� Kept at a temperature slightly below the animals’ normal temperature range
(refer to Appendix 8). This reduces the need for oxygen as well as reducing the
need to feed and minimises cannibalism. For finfish only feed as required to
maintain condition. Uneaten food causes deterioration in water quality.
� Cared for by people who have the appropriate skills and knowledge to care for
the species concerned.
� Kept in a holding system of suitable size for the animal(s) so as not to cause
physical damage.
� Checked regularly for weak or damaged individuals. Such animals should be
disposed of humanely or treated where practical, refer to Section 10.
� Only mixed with compatible species.
� Kept away from bright light if this is detrimental to their welfare.
� Kept away from unnecessary disturbance.
� Stored and displayed in compliance with all relevant legislation.
6.3 Storage and Display of Bivalves in Water
The preferred method for storage and display of bivalves is out of water due to food
safety concerns. If stored in water, bivalves must be kept in accordance with NSW
Food Authority Code of Practice for Wet Storage. Water based holding systems must
be inspected by NSW Food Authority for compliance to Code of Practice.
7. HUMANE KILLING OF LIVE SEAFOOD
For humane reasons all finfish and large crustaceans must be killed prior to cooking
or serving. All live seafood must be killed quickly and humanely. This must always
be undertaken by an appropriately skilled person. This also maximises the quality of
the final product and avoids toughening of the flesh, and loss of claws and legs in
crustaceans. Chilling seafood prior to killing reduces stress and assists in maximising
quality and makes handling easier.
NB: It is strongly recommended that live finfish and crustaceans should not be killed
in public view as this may be distressing for some people.
7.1 Live Finfish
Live finfish must be killed by:
� Ike jime - spiked in the head with a narrow spike, or blade, to penetrate and
destroy the brain or;
� A percussive blow to the head and severing of the arterial system at the base of
the gills or;
� Stunning with an electrical current and severing of the arterial system at the base
of the gills.
7.2 Crustaceans - Lobsters, Crabs, Prawns, Bugs and Yabbies
There are two acceptable methods for killing crustaceans:
i) Stunning followed by dissection or cooking. This is the preferred method.
ii) Killing without stunning by dissection and nerve destruction
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i). Stunning followed by dissection or cooking
The most humane method of killing crustaceans is to effectively chill the animal(s) to
produce insensibility, followed by killing through splitting and spiking to destroy the
animal’s nerve centers or cooking.
Crustaceans must be rendered insensible through chilling by either:
� Rapid refrigeration in air (in a refrigerator or freezer at a temperature below
4°C for a minimum 20 minutes) or;
� Immersion in an ice slurry, refer to Appendix 3. This method is only suitable for
tropical marine species. Temperate species should not be chilled in this way, as
these animals are likely to be affected by osmotic shock caused by the drop in
salinity of the water by dilution with ice.
NB: Cooling should be of sufficient time (minimum of 20 minutes) and temperature
to lower the body temperature until there is no detectable movement of the eyes,
claws or tail when handled. This will in part depend on the type and size of the
species.
ii) Killing (without stunning) by dissection and nerve destruction
Lobster
Lobsters can be killed humanely through splitting the body from head to tail
longitudinally to destroy the nervous system. Refer to Diagram below.
NB: The whole procedure should take no longer than 10 seconds.
Crabs Crabs can be killed humanely by:
� Rapid destruction of the front and rear nerve centres with a thick pointed, pithing
instrument (NB: The whole procedure should take no longer than 10 seconds); or
� Immersion in clove oil.
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Unacceptable practices:
Under no circumstances shall the following practices be undertaken due to
the potential to cause prolonged pain or distress:
� Transverse (separating the head from the chest) sectioning of
crustaceans without first destroying the nerve centres;
� Cutting crustaceans into sections before destroying the front and rear
nerve centres;
� Boiling of live crustaceans.
� Cutting tissue from a live animal.
� Serving of live crustaceans to diners.
7.3 Molluscs (mussels, pipis, clams, vongole, etc.)
The body temperature of molluscs must be lowered (in a refrigerator or freezer at a
temperature below 4°C for a minimum of 20 minutes) prior to processing to ensure
humane death and to reduce bacterial contamination as the molluscs’ immune
systems cease to function.
7.4 Cephalopods (octopus, calamari, cuttlefish etc)
The body temperature of cephalopods must be lowered (in a refrigerator or freezer
at a temperature below 4°C for a minimum of 20 minutes) prior to processing to
ensure humane death. The brain stem should then be severed by inserting a sharp
knife between the eyes or by separating the head from the body using a sharp knife.
8. RECORD KEEPING
All businesses that handle live seafood must keep accurate and up to date records.
Keeping accurate and up to date records of maintenance programs is an essential
part of demonstrating commitment to and compliance with the Code. Demonstrated
compliance with the Code may also provide a defense in case of complaints or
prosecution.
A record of the following must be kept:
i). Holding System maintenance This must include details of:
� Holding tank identification.
� Species being inspected.
� Date and time of inspection.
� Who performed the inspection.
� Ammonia concentration.
� Temperature.
� PH.
� Identification of problem (if there is one).
� Action undertaken to rectify the problem (if required).
Refer to Appendix 7 for sample record sheet.
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ii). Stock delivery record
This must include details of:
� When the product was delivered – time and date.
� Supplier details.
� Quantity of product supplied.
� Species of product supplied.
9.0 DEALING WITH UNHEALTHY STOCK
9.1 Responses to unhealthy stock
All live seafood must be inspected on a regular basis (at least daily) to check the
health of the animals. The regularity of these inspections will depend on a number of
factors including the particular species being kept, stock densities, the storage
method and internal and external temperature conditions (more frequent inspections
may be required during hot periods).
If, during an inspection, one or more unhealthy animals are detected then the
following response is required:
� Immediately remove sick or injured animals.
� Kill or treat separately, if appropriate, all individuals exhibiting symptoms.
� Assess cause of problem and rectify.
NB: Chemical treatment of live seafood may only be undertaken with products
approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)
and withholding period must be adhered to. For more information contact APVMA or
check www.apvma.gov.au.
9.2 Common indicators of unhealthy stock � Swim bladder problem (i.e. floating / sinking / on side / coordination)
� Air breathing / gasping
� Flashing / rubbing
� Skin lesions
� Fin lesions
� White spot
� Hyperactivity
10. DISPOSAL OF ANIMALS, EFFLUENT AND PACKING MATERIAL
10.1 Disposal of Animals that are Unfit for Human Consumption
If animals suffer illness in transit or while awaiting sale they must be humanely
destroyed. Animals that die during transit or awaiting sale must be disposed of as they are no longer considered suitable for human consumption.
All dead animals must be disposed of in a landfill site to prevent the possible
transmission of disease-carrying organisms or the establishment of feral populations
in our local waterways. Disposal must always be undertaken in accordance with local
regulations.
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10.2 Disposal of Effluent
All individuals dealing in live seafood must ensure liquid effluent from holding
systems is disposed of via the sewer system. Do not dispose of via the storm water
system or into the aquatic environment. Solids must be removed prior to disposal.
All solid effluent should be disposed of in accordance with government regulations.
10.3 Disposal of Packaging Material
All packaging materials for live seafood (such as water and seaweed) that may
contain living organisms must also be disposed of as detailed above to avoid
introducing non-native species and disease.
11.0 REFERENCES
Bennison, S., Guidelines on Aquatic Animal Welfare for the Aquaculture Industry in
Western Australia (Draft Copy), Aquaculture Council of Western Australia.
Fisheries Western Australia (2001) Guidelines for the Handling of Live Seafood
(brochure).
NRE, 2000. Guidelines on Fish and Crustacean Welfare – for marketing and
preparation for human consumption. Natural Resources and Environment (brochure).
NSW Agriculture. Guidelines for Avoiding Cruelty in Shellfish Preparation(brochure).
Communications Unit, NSW Agriculture.
Olney, A., Yearsley, G. & Brown, F. (2000) Australian Seafood Users Manual, DPI
Publication, Qld.
12.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The MFMA would like to thank the following people for their time and assistance in
developing this document:
Ross Burton (NSW Agriculture, Animal Welfare Unit)
Steven Atkinson (University of New England)
Steve Coleman (RSPCA)
Bidda Jones (RSPCA)
Malcolm Shelley (Ozsea Aquaculture Systems)
Peter Sutherland (NSW Food Authority)
Chris Papageorge (Capitol Seafoods)
John Roach (Master Fish Merchants’ Association)
Michael Kitchener (Master Fish Merchants’ Association)
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13.0 APPENDIX
Appendix 1 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR HOLDING SYSTEMS
Holding systems that are used to display, hold or transport live seafood products
should be:
� Operated and maintained by people who have the appropriate skills and
knowledge to care for the species concerned.
� Filtered using biological filtration systems that are suited to the requirements.
� Checked regularly for ammonia, temperature, pH levels.
� Kept within the biological holding capacity of the holding system at the time.
� Kept free of excessive slime and algal growth, especially in aquariums on public
display (Although the buildup of algae may not necessarily affect the live seafood
contained within this is recommended in the interest of culturing a positive public
perception of the industry).
� Of a size to prevent physical damage to the animals contained.
� Only contain compatible species.
Appendix 2 - SEDATION OF LIVE SEAFOOD
Live seafood will at times need to be sedated in order to minimise stress during
transportation and handling prior to sale. Live fin fish are commonly sedated by
using clove oil/eugenol or by lowering the water temperature (warm water species
only).
When sedating live seafood:
� Sedate only when required.
� Use the minimum amount of sedative (e.g. clove oil, eugenol, etc.) required so as
to avoid over sedation and possible death.
Appendix 3 - MAKING AN ICE SLURRY
Ice slurrys should be made of crushed ice and chilled salt water in a 3:1 ratio. The
ice slurry should contain enough ice to maintaining a temperature of minus 1 degree
Celsius. The level of the ice slurry must be monitored to ensure maintenance of the
correct temperature and ratio of water to ice.
Ice slurrys intended for marine species must contain appropriate salt levels. Salt may
be added to ice slurries for freshwater species.
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Appendix 4 - BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION SYSTEMS
The establishment of an adequate (for the intended purpose) biological filtration
system is critical in maintaining the health of all live seafood kept in water. Biological
filtration systems rely on beneficial bacteria to consume fish wastes and keep the
holding tank clean.
The five pillars for effectively managing the storage of live seafood, detailed in
Section 6 Storage and Display, will allow you to assess the efficacy of biological
filtration systems.
Management of Biological Filtration Systems
The presence of ammonia in the holding tanks is probably the primary risk to the
health of live seafood held in water. Any measurable amount of ammonia indicates
either an overloaded aquarium (too many fish or too much food) or an inadequate
filtration system.
Ammonia is also affected by the pH (dissolved hydrogen ions) of the water. When
the pH is above neutral (greater than 7.0), it is primarily in the toxic or unionized
form. If the pH is below 7.0, a significant portion of the ammonia will be ionized and
not as toxic to the fish. Ammonia is especially harmful to marine fish since saltwater
aquariums are almost always maintained at a pH of between 8.0 and 8.5.
Testing of Biological Filtration Systems
The state of the biological filtration system can be assessed through the use of
ammonic test kits. It is essential this be undertaken as part of a regular maintenance
program, refer to Section 8 and Appendix 7.
Appendix 5 - LEGISLATION
Animal Welfare Legislation
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1979)
Food Safety Legislation
• Food Act 1989
• Food Production (Safety) Act 1989
• Food Regulation Act 2001
Fisheries Legislation
• Fisheries Management Act 1994
Other Relevant Legislation
• Trade Practices Act
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Appendix 6 - DEFINITIONS
Acceptable temperature range – The range in temperature that will result in the
least discomfort or distress. Refer to Appendix 8 for species-specific temperature
ranges.
Aquarium / tanks – form of holding tank.
Biological Filtration – the primary filter system for all holding tanks. The biological
filter converts toxic material from animals into less toxic materials through the
activity of bacteria.
Biological Load – is the maximum number of animals that can be supported in a
given holding system.
Chemical filtration – filtration system designed to remove unwanted chemicals and
matter. Commonly involves the use of activated carbon, oxygenation and foam
fractionation (Protein skimmers).
Crustacean – an invertebrate animal with a hard segmented outer shell, including
lobsters, fresh water crayfish, prawns, crabs and bugs.
Filtration – method used to modify the environment within a holding system by
removing unwanted dissolved chemicals and physical particulates.
Finfish – an aquatic cold-blooded vertebrate with gills and limbs in the shape of fins.
Food Safety – the assurance that a food will not cause harm as a result of physical,
chemical or biological hazards to the consumer when it is stored, prepared and/or
eaten according to its intended use.
Handling – any activity that involves touching, moving or storing live seafood.
Holding – the keeping of live seafood in a holding system
Holding System – a containment device used to store live seafood, either wet or
dry.
Humane treatment – handling in a manner that avoids unnecessary distress or
discomfort.
Ike jime – a technique use for killing live finfish using a narrow spike to penetrate the head and destroy the brain.
Insensible – the point at which there is no detectable movement of the eyes, claws
or tail of live seafood animals when handled.
Killing – any method or technique that results in death.
Molluscs – an animal belonging to the phylum Mollusca. Characterised by soft
bodies and hard shells, including oysters, abalone, pipis, mussels, clams, Vongoli etc.
Page 13
Osmotic Shock – the rupturing of cells following a sudden change in osmotic
pressure.
Person – any individual, partnership, corporation, association or other legal entity. Quality – internal and external attributes of seafood that is required or stated as
being necessary by a customer or standard. This may include eating quality (eg
odour and texture), visual quality (eg colour) and nutritional quality (eg omega-3
content).
Sanitizer – a chemical disinfectant used to reduce the number of bacteria on a
cleaned surface.
Seafood – all edible plants and animals that grow or live in freshwater or saltwater.
Significant delay during transportation – an unexpected delay, of a period,
which may detrimentally impact the health of the animals being transported.
Skilled person – any individual who is capable of demonstrating awareness and
understanding of the minimum requirement for maintaining live seafood in a humane
manner as set out in Code.
Slime – a thick transparent film that occurs naturally on the surface of the skin.
After a finfish dies and spoilage sets in the slime becomes milky and opaque, then
thick and yellow. Slime left on finfish is food for unwanted bacteria.
Stress / Distress – condition resulting from pain or suffering.
Stunning – means of rendering finfish insensible by percussive blow or electric
current.
Subtropical water species – animals that typically live in a temperature range of
18-20.
Temperate water species – animals that typically live in a temperature range of
13-15.
Time in transport – the period of time a product is in transit, from pickup to
delivery.
Transport – any activity involved in moving live seafood from one location to
another.
Transport Vehicle – any vehicle that is used to transport live seafood and which meets the regulatory requirements under Safe Food NSW.
Tropical water species – animals that typically live in a temperature range of 25-
27.
Water quality – the characteristic of water that determines its suitability for a given
use. Factors that impact on water quality include pH, ammonia, salinity, nutrient and
bacterial load, dissolved oxygen etc.
Animal Welfare – All aspects relating to the care of captive animals that impact on
their health and well-being.
Appendix
7 - L
ive S
eafo
od H
old
ing S
yste
m M
ain
tenance R
ecord
Liv
e S
eafo
od H
old
ing S
yste
m M
ain
tenance R
ecord
(Fill in relevant boxes only)
Date Time Stock
in
Stock
out
Product/
Species
No. of
Animals
Temp pH
Ammonia
Level
Water
changes
Problem
Action taken to
rectify
Sign
ID No:
Appendix
8 - R
equirem
ents
for L
ive S
eafo
od
Requirem
ents
for L
ive S
eafo
od
Species
In water/Out of
water
Max.
Storage
Time
pH
Temp
Range
Salinity
Ammonia
Level
Other Conditions
Barramundi
Several
days to
weeks
7.0-
8.5
22-25C
3-5 ppt, but will
tolerate a wide
range. Salinity
should not vary
more than 2ppt.
0
Silver Perch
Several
days to
weeks
6.5-
7.5
15-18C
3-5 ppt, but will
tolerate a wide
range. Salinity
should not vary
more than 2ppt.
0
Fin fish
Reef Fish
In water
Several
days to
weeks
7.0-
8.5
23-25C
35 ppt
0
•
Avoid rapid changes in temperature
and salinity.
• Filtration and aeration essential.
• Avoid over stocking.
Kuruma prawn
Most other species
Out of water
2-3 days
NA
10-15C
NA
NA
Black Tiger Prawns
In water
7.0-
8.5
17-20C
35 ppt
0
Most tropical species
In water
6 hours
7.0-
8.5
15-20C
35 ppt
0
• Store in package received in.
• Keep m
oist.
• Aerate and filtrate
Out of water
3 days
NA
16-25C
Longevity is
increased at
the lower end
of the
spectrum.
NA
NA
• Store in package received in.
• High humidity (80-90%).
• Cover with clean damp cloth.
• Must not come into contact with ice,
ice packs or melt water.
• Avoid strong light.
Mud Crabs
In water
1 week
7.0-
8.5
17-25C
15-35 ppt
0
• Do not submerge rapidly.
• Very efficient filter required.
• Aeration required.
• Frequent inspection required.
• Avoid strong light.
Crustaceans
Other Crabs
Out of water
6 hours
NA
Varies with
species.
NA
NA
• As per for Mud crabs.
Page 16
In water
1 week
7.0-
8.5
Varies with
species.
35ppt or close to
natural
environment
0
• As per for Mud crabs.
Out of water
6 hours
plus
NA
6-10 c
NA
NA
Southern Rocklobster
In water
One week
in peak
condition
7.0-
8.5
6-10 C
Usually around
35 ppt.
0
Out of water
6 hours
plus
NA
15 C
NA
NA
Western Rocklobster
In water
One week
in peak
condition
7.0-
8.5
15 C
Usually around
35 ppt.
0
Out of water
6 hours
plus
NA
20-25 C
NA
NA
Tropical Rocklobster
In water
One week
in peak
condition
7.0-
8.5
20-22 C
Usually around
35 ppt.
0
Out of water
12 hours
NA
6 C
NA
NA
Balmain Bug
In water
One week
in peak
condition
7.0-
8.5
4.5-10 C
Usually around
35 ppt.
0
Out of water
12 hour
NA
12 –15 C
NA
NA
Moreton Bay Bug
In water
One week
in peak
condition
7.0-
8.5
17-20 C
Usually around
35 ppt.
0
Out of w
ate
r
• Keep m
oist e.g. using a damp
hessian cloth.
• Must not come into contact with ice,
ice packs or melt water.
• Keep from direct contact
• Keep in single layer.
In w
ate
r
• Aerate and filtrate.
• Check daily and remove dead or
weak individuals.
Out of water
3 day
NA
12-20 C
NA
NA
Marron and Yabbies
In water
A few
weeks
7.0-
8.0
12-20 C
3-5 ppt
0
Redclaw
Out of water
3 days
NA
20-25 C
NA
NA
Out of w
ate
r
• Leave in package received in.
• Keep m
oist – add damp cloth
material to bottom of box and cover
with clean damp sack.
Page 17
In water
A few
weeks
7.0-
8.0
20-25 C
3-5 ppt
0
• Must not come into contact with ice,
ice packs or melt water.
• Take precautions to prevent escape.
In w
ate
r
• Aerate and filtrate.
• Check daily and remove dead or
weak individuals.
• No light is best but for display
purposes fluorescent lighting should be
used.
Out of water
3-7 days
NA
Cool - actual
temperature is
dependant on
species
NA
NA
Abalone
In water
7 weeks
7.0-
8.5
As above
35 ppt.
0
Out of w
ate
r
• Keep m
oist
• Pack on edge.
In w
ate
r
• Very efficient filter required.
• Avoid bright light.
• Check daily
Oth
er
• Small individuals store for longer
than larger ones.
• When stored out of water, abalone
may lose or develop an abnorm
al
flavour.
Molluscs
Mussels (and other
bivalves such as
pipis)
Out of Water
5-6 days
NA
Cool (5-10 C)
Depending on
species
NA
NA
Out of w
ate
r
• Keep m
oist
• Cover with wet hessian cloth.
In w
ate
r
• Must adhere to NSW Food Authority
Code of Practice for Wet Storage.
• Must use water from an approved
source to comply with food safety
standards.
• Efficient filter required.
• Must use UV sterilisers.
Oth
er
• Storage out of water is the preferred
method for food safety reasons.
• Different batches should not be
Page 18
In water
7.0-
8.5
Cool (5-12 C)
Depending on
species
Varies
0
Out of water
6-7 days
NA
5-10 C
NA
NA
Pacific Oysters
In water
7.0-
8.5
5 C
Depends on
the origin of
the oyster.
0
Out of water
9-10
days
NA
10-15 C
NA
NA
Sydney Rock Oyster
In water
7.0-
8.5
15 C
Depends on
the origin of
the oyster.
0
Out of w
ate
r
• Keep m
oist
• Cover with wet hessian cloth.
• Store with cup half downwards.
In w
ate
r
• Must adhere to NSW Food Authority
Code of Practice for Wet Storage.
• Must use water from an approved
source to comply with food safety
standards.
• Must use UV sterilisers.
• Efficient filter required.
Oth
er
• Storage out of water is the preferred
method for food safety reasons.
• Different batches should not be
mixed.
Source: Olney, A., Yearsley, G. & Brown, F. (2000) Australian Seafood Users Manual, DPI Publication, Qld.
Inform
ation contained within table above is intended as a guide only.